Chesterfield reveal club hero at Football League Awards

Spireites stalwart Jim Brown was recently named as Chesterfield’s ‘Club Hero’ at the recent Football League Awards event.

All Football League clubs were asked to nominate someone who has made a valuable contribution and photos of all the Club Heroes were shown on a big screen at the gala ceremony held at The Brewery in London.

Jim first joined the club in 1972. Following a two-year spell at Saltergate, he moved to Sheffield United and then played in the United States.

He rejoined Chesterfield in 1983 and was handed the role of commercial manager three years later, although he retained his playing registration until 1997 and was often an unused substitute.

Jim was instrumental in setting up the highly successful ‘Blues on the Move’ lottery, which raised valuable funds over a 30-year period and at one point had over 9,000 members. He also set up the 50/50 draw, which continues to generate revenue for the club.

Jim bravely stood up to then-chairman Darren Brown when financial problems threatened to cripple the club, keeping records that helped to later convict him of fraud.

The 63-year-old also edited the matchday programme for a number of years and looks after matchday hospitality guests.

Spireites chief executive Chris Turner paid tribute to the popular Scot, saying: “Jim has served the club loyally for many years, making a tremendous contribution and raising valuable funds. Every club needs someone like Jim.”

Jim said: “It’s always nice to be recognised in your job but it’s been a privilege to serve the club both as a player and commercial manager for over 30 years.

“I obviously enjoyed my time as a player, but as commercial manager I really do have to thanks our sponsors, advertisers, lottery agents and programme sellers who over the years have supported the club and myself through the good and the bad times. The support I have received is very much appreciated.”